University of Illinois Master Gardeners and Naturalists will be hosting an Annual Spring Fling/Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL.

If you are new to gardening or have a lifetime of experience you will find attending Spring Fling to be both entertaining and informative. “After the long winter we are all anxious for spring to get here both gardeners and non-gardeners alike”, states Gail DeVilbiss, Extension Ag and Natural Resource Coordinator.  Spring Fling is organized as a learning and social event to bring together area gardeners and outdoor naturalists of all levels from beginner to experienced. Speakers and activities reflect this year’s theme ‘Gardening for a Lifetime, the Evolution of the Garden and Gardening’. The wide variety of topics will entice just about any outdoor enthusiast.

This year’s Spring Fling has something for everyone. Keynote Speaker will be, Horticulturist, June Hutson. Hutson recently retired after forty years at the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT), the last twenty were overseeing the gardens at the Kemper Center for Home Gardening at MOBOT. In a recent article about Hutson’s career, stated “that she is the finest plants woman in the entire region because of her exceptional experience and quality of skill”.  Hutson will share her experiences in the garden over her long career at the garden.

Additional programs will include presentations from Charlie Pitts a Master Naturalist and St Louis Audubon Advisor for Creating Backyard Habitats, Extension Volunteers presenting “Under the Canopy, Selecting and Maintaining Trees for your landscape; and Gardens of Australia from Master Gardener Jane Chapman who recently traveled there.

Master Volunteers and Staff will share local projects we are involved with in our communities.  In addition to the scheduled programs, there will be additional information available throughout the day.   Each Extension Office will share a display that has the common theme of ‘Gardening for a Lifetime, the Evolution of the Garden and the Gardener’ these displays are always a favorite of the attendees.  Some displays will include ergonomic tools, container gardening, raised bed gardening, native trees, favorite books for the gardener/naturalist and more.  Master Gardeners will also staff a Help Desk booth.  Bring your questions to us so we can help you have a successful garden season.

There is a modest fee to attend this program and will include all talks, lunch and door prizes.

Register on line at go.illinois.edu/SpringFling or by calling 618-526-4551 by March 12.